Westmoore Pom Proves Worth

January 9, 2011

By VYPE Oklahoma of VYPE MAGAZINE - Oklahoma


For a decade the Westmoore Pom Squad has dominated the state of Oklahoma and won five National Titles while doing so.


When Westmoore opened in 1989 one of the first athletic programs to show real promise was the Pom Squad. Since that first year the Westmoore girls have consistently performed at the highest levels of competition and faired better than most. In more recent history the Pom Squad at Westmoore has ruled the state of Oklahoma with 10 titles.

Winning state is a huge accomplishment, but for these girls winning state is just one of the stepping-stones to bigger goals like winning Nationals. The Westmoore Pom Squad has five National Titles to their credit and hopes to add another in 2011. “We are currently
preparing to compete in Large Varsity Jazz and
Large Varsity Hip Hop. We hope to bring home
another title for 2011,” said coach Natalie
Zielny. “Our National Titles are the 2007 UDA
Large Varsity Jazz Champions, 2008 UDA
Large Hip Hop Champions, 2009 UDA Large
Hip Hop Champions, and 2010 UDA Small Hip
Hop Champions. They were the first team ever
to switch from a large category to small and
still win. A key factor in all of the success is the
coach/choreographer Emily Shock.

Coach Zielny explains the work that goes
in to making a National Champion caliber
squad. “I don’t think anyone ever understands
the amount of work and effort that they put
into their sport. The main reason I think they
work so hard is that they have two minutes
to showcase their talent. In comparison to
football or basketball, if a mistake is made
early in a game, there is a possibility of
rectifying the situation before the end of play.

In a dance competition, if a mistake is made
within the two minute dance, it will cost you
the title.”

The squad today is lead by three seniors who
keep the squad focused and ready to perform.
“The team currently has a senior captain,
Destiny Schmidt, and two senior co-captains,
Kelsea Lakin and Jordan Jackson. These
three girls are positive role models. They also
make sure the team is on time, have the right
equipment, etc… They hold all of the other
girls accountable,” said Zielny.

“These girls are all outstanding individuals,
not just great dancers. They are leaders in
the community, as well as the school. Our
team includes the school’s Junior Class
President, Valedictorian candidates, Student
Council members, members of the Principals
Leadership Council, and many more. The
fact that they are able to achieve all of these
things while practicing as much as they do is
incredible!”